Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, in New Delhi on November 2, 2026, and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure. The meeting comes shortly after Air Chief Marshal Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force on October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after completing 42 years of distinguished service.
Following the meeting, Rajnath Singh shared his remarks on social media, describing the new Air Chief as a distinguished air warrior recognised for his excellent leadership. The Defence Minister expressed confidence in his leadership and wished him a successful and productive tenure at the helm of the Indian Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s appointment comes at an important time for the Indian Air Force, which is working to strengthen its operational capabilities, address its combat squadron requirements and accelerate the induction of indigenous military platforms. His leadership will be significant as the service continues to adapt to changing security challenges and the evolving nature of modern aerial warfare.
Soon after taking charge, Air Chief Marshal Dixit outlined his priorities under the Indian Air Force’s ‘VAYU’ vision. His focus areas include strengthening combat readiness, restoring the sanctioned strength of fighter squadrons, promoting indigenous defence capabilities, encouraging technological innovation and improving coordination among the three services.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Chief Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. During his four-decade-long military career, he has served in several important operational and leadership assignments, gaining experience in flight operations, flight testing, capability development and joint staff responsibilities. His professional background includes experience across different aspects of air power development and military planning.
His appointment comes as India continues to pursue the modernisation of its air combat capabilities, with growing emphasis on advanced aircraft, indigenous defence technologies, network-centric operations and improved integration between the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The meeting between Rajnath Singh and Air Chief Marshal Dixit highlights the Defence Ministry’s engagement with the newly appointed leadership of the Indian Air Force as the service moves forward with its operational and modernisation priorities. The coming years will be important for strengthening the IAF’s combat preparedness, technological capabilities and contribution to India’s overall national security.